I've spent 175 hours on long-haul flights. These are the most essential items to keep in your carry-on.

Joey HaddenMay 29, 2024, 05:50 IST

Long-haul flights can be easier if you pack comforting and entertaining essentials in your carry-on, according to Business Insider's travel reporter.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Knowing exactly what to pack in your carry-on for a long-haul flight can be tricky.
Bag space is limited, but without your carry-on essentials, your flight may feel even longer.

From NYC to Germany, Switzerland, and the Pacific Islands, I've spent 175 hours on 26 long-haul flights around the world. When it comes to packing a carry-on for flights longer than six hours, I've certainly made some mistakes. I've forgotten important items and longed for essentials that I didn't even think of.

But now that I've done it more than two dozen times, I think I've mastered the art of packing a carry-on for a long-haul flight. Here are the things I'll always bring with me, no matter the destination.

A refillable water bottle is a must to save money — and plastic — on disposable bottles.

I bought this refillable water bottle in the San Francisco airport and I've been using it ever since.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I also bring lip balm to keep my lips from getting dry.

The author's favorite lip balms.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

To keep your skin hydrated, I recommend slipping some lotion in your carry-on, too.

The author's flight from Guam to Hawaii had lotion in the bathroom.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

You should also bring Advil.

Advil minimizes the author's headaches on flights.Crystal Cox/Business Insider

A toothbrush is a must.

Don't forget to brush your teeth.Ross D. Franklin/AP Images

Though it won't satisfy a craving for clean teeth, a pack of gum is always helpful for fresh breath.

A pack of gum is helpful for fresh breath.Roman Samokhin/Shutterstock

I recommend bringing a change of clothes — especially if your trip has layovers.

The author's fresh T-shirt and undergarments for a four-leg journey.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

In the same vein, deodorant is essential for these long trips.

I wish I brought deodorant with me in my carry-on.Volkova Vera/Shutterstock

Long flights can be the perfect time to sleep, if you bring some comfort. Thankfully, my step-grandma gifted me this neck pillow for Christmas two years ago.

I'll never fly without a neck pillow again.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

If a pillow doesn't do the trick, a sleep mask is a total game-changer.

With a sleep mask, I can pretend I'm at home in bed.Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

If you're unable to nap, bring entertainment, as some flights don't have tablets on the back of each seat.

My uncle gave me this iPad the day before I left for Guam and it saved my life.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

If you wouldn't be satisfied with just TV as entertainment for several hours, I also recommend downloading books and podcasts to pass the time.

I downloaded six issues of the New Yorker for my trip.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

With all this power being used, be sure to pack an external battery charger.

My external battery came in handy on this trip.Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Long-haul flights are typically the most grueling and boring aspect of my trips, but I think having these items make them a little more bearable.

The author prepares for a 24-hour journey from Guam to NYC.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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